Neutering

Neutering has benefits that apply not only to dogs and cats but also to other animals such as rabbits and ferrets.

Neutering prevents females coming into season, when they may attract unwanted male attention, become pregnant or have false pregnancies.

Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and cancers in females.

In male dogs and cats, neutering can reduce urine marking and roaming.

Neutering can reduce aggressive behaviour in mature male ferrets, as well as the smell often associated with them! Neutering a female ferret can also prevent often severe health problems such as alopecia and anaemia.

Un-spayed female animals can be messy when they come into season - during this time, females can bleed for up to three weeks.

Animals don’t respect family relationships - siblings will mate. This increases the risk of offspring with birth defects and deformities.

Neutering animals can reduce the risk of them being stolen for breeding.

Vet fees for problems during or after pregnancy and birth can be expensive. Offspring might need veterinary attention too.

Owners have a responsibility to meet their animal’s needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Pregnant and nursing animals need even more care, and their offspring will be equally as demanding. A pregnant mother needs to be up to date with parasite and disease protection and will require more nutrition to feed her growing young. This extra feeding will carry through whilst she is nursing. Her young will need to vaccinated and treated multiple times for parasites. They will need to be microchipped and the details of any new owners registered with the microchipping company prior to them leaving. To avoid behavioural issues later in life the young puppies will need to be on a carefully structured socialisation plan, developed to build their confidence in everyday situations. This is a full time job and should not be considered without being fully aware of all the consequences.

The Dogs Trust also support neutering for people on means tested benefits with Bull breeds, Lurchers, Huskys, Malumutes, German Shephers, Samoyed, Jack Russells, Collies or crossbreeds of these and you have a post code from their list which includes the LA postcode. see www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.